Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
With west London bragging rights up for grabs on Saturday lunchtime, Brentford will welcome Fulham to the Gtech.
Brentford
Starting with the hosts, while Brentford might have cemented their spot as one of the Premier League’s ultimate surprise packages this season, the Bees do find themselves at the heart of a recent rut. Last seen suffering late heartbreak on home soil as they eventually marked their return from March’s international break with a lively 2-2 stalemate against Everton, Keith Andrews’ side have settled for a single point in each of their previous four Premier League appearances. Likewise, hit with FA Cup heartbreak away at relegation scrappers West Ham last month, Brentford have registered just a single win from any of their last seven matchups across all competitions. Despite opening the New Year with their sights set on mounting a genuine European charge, Saturday’s hosts have seen their top-six dreams take a monumental blow.
Brentford Team News
All still dealing with respective long-term knee injuries, Brentford will once again be without the trio of Antoni Milambo, Josh Dasilva and former Liverpool youngster Fabio Carvalho. Likewise, German midfielder Vitaly Janelt is still recovering from a foot issue.
Shattering a string of records this season and bagging yet another Premier League brace against Everton last weekend, Brazilian international Igor Thiago will be looking to add to his 21 top-flight goals. Making a first Premier League appearance since January 7th last time out, Arsenal loanee Reiss Nelson will be hoping to get some more minutes.
Fulham
As for the visitors, marking their return from March’s international break with a 2-0 loss away at soon-to-be former Premier League champions Liverpool last weekend, Fulham essentially find themselves sat in top-flight limbo. Despite heading into March’s fortnight interval with a 3-1 victory against Burnley at Craven Cottage, that is the only win that Saturday’s guests have registered from their previous five appearances across all competitions. Watching their respective FA Cup adventure come to an end last month as they were hit with a disappointing 1-0 defeat at home against Championship outfit Southampton, there is real speculation over Marco Silva’s future in west London. Likewise, the Cottagers have mustered just a sole Premier League victory away from Craven Cottage so far this calendar year.
Fulham Team News
Dealing with a recent foot injury, Fulham are once again sweating over the fitness of Dutch defender Kenny Tete here. Likewise, not featuring since back on February 22nd, Silva’s squad are expected to be without Brazilian starlet Kevin this weekend.
Forced to settle for a spot at Anfield last weekend, veteran striker Raul Jimenez could be set for a full recall and should lead the line. Registering 16 direct goal contributions (10 goals, six assists) in his 30 Premier League appearances this season, the red-hot Harry Wilson will play a leading role in attack.
Brentford vs Fulham Key Factors to Consider
- When Brentford and Fulham met for their reverse Premier League showdown on September 20th, Saturday’s guests stormed their way to a 3-1 victory at Craven Cottage.
- Brentford have seen their last four consecutive Premier League appearances finish in a stalemate.
- The Cottagers have mustered just a sole win from their previous five appearances across all competitions.
- Fulham have registered just a single Premier League win on their travels so far this calendar year.
- Brazilian sensation Igor Thiago has notched 22 Premier League goals in his 32 top-flight outings this season.
Conclusion
While Fulham might have claimed a thumping 3-1 victory when they welcomed their bitter local rivals to Craven Cottage for their reverse Premier League showdown back in September, the Cottagers have drastically struggled to find their feet on the road. Mustering just a sole top-flight win on their travels so far this calendar year, we could be treated to an enjoyable west London battle here. With each of the last three meetings between Saturday’s rivals finishing with both teams finding the net, we are expecting a similar outcome this weekend.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
